Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

self-destruct

verb

/ˌsɛlf.dɪˈstrʌkt/

Definition

To deliberately destroy oneself or a mechanism, often as a fail-safe measure.

Examples

The spy’s watch was programmed to self-destruct if taken by an enemy.
The software included a self-destruct feature to erase sensitive data after a set time.

Meaning

Self-destruct refers to a process where a person, object, or system causes its own destruction, often intentional and built-in to prevent misuse or failure.